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Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by Riley

that sensor thing will never be resolved.
I cant see Olympus ever saying where the sensor comes from, but I wouldnt be surprised if at its heart its Panasonic,
rewired and retopped for Olympus by some contract outfit.

A source at another forum and close to Olympus told me recently that non of the sensors theyve used have ever been identical to those used by Panasonic.

From a certain point of view, changing the AA filter, or the CFA, or the microlenses, makes the sensor "new". From a certain point of view, Darth Vader killed Luke Skywalker's father Anakin.

As far as I am concerned, DxOmark will settle this. If the curves are superimposable on those of a Panasonic camera, then Panasonic made the sensor. If not, then things will have gotten more interesting for MFTs.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by cjlacz

He just added a post talking about the focus speed of 4/3s lenses on the E-M5. Basically no improvement over the E-P3.

I think there isn't enough difference between all these new "fast AF" cameras to even be concerned about. Most of it is just for marketing. And he who follows the marketing is lost. It's either fast enough and accurate enough or it isn't. At least that's how I see it - someone who has used MF exclusively for the past 2 years now.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by Tesselator

I think there isn't enough difference between all these new "fast AF" cameras to even be concerned about. Most of it is just for marketing. And he who follows the marketing is lost. It's either fast enough and accurate enough or it isn't. At least that's how I see it - someone who has used MF exclusively for the past 2 years now.

I agree for m4/3s lens, they are all fast enough. He was talking about the legacy non-CDAF optimized lenses. From the 12-60 I tested it was about a second to focus which isn't exactly fast enough for anything moving. I didn't expect much improvement from Oly's statements, but I know people are still asking, so I posted a link.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by emr

Some posters on Dpr have concluded that Olympus is cheating a bit and the actual ISOs are lower than the nominal.

Olympus' exposure values have always been different than Panasonic's, and the E-M5 appears no different. My GF1 was like that compared to the Pens. It's pretty clear at this point that the E-M5 uses the G3/GX1 sensor, so any RAW differences are just going to come from manufacturer calibration.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Heck, they look seriously good for such a sensor! Some posters on Dpr have concluded that Olympus is cheating a bit and the actual ISOs are lower than the nominal. But very good results nevertheless.

When modern smaller sensors are this good, it'll be interesting to see the new generation FFs are capable of. After all, the ones in current FF models are years old.

I was also pretty excited to see the results but the ISO issue does need investigation. E-M5 is apparently requiring 2/3rd of a stop more exposure compared to G3, NEX-5N, canon 7D etc at any given ISO. That is significant. G3 was already not far behind NEX-5N so it could be that most of the gain in E-M5 is through such manipulations and there is not much real sensor improvement.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Very impressive indeed, to my eye at the 5N level. Coupled with the mft 12, 25, 45 premium primes, the OM-D looks like a compact power package. Unlike with the new Fuji, I feel some serious GAS attack brewing up.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

If I buy another m43rds body, or indeed if I stay in the m43rds camp any longer my most required feature is good results at iso1600-3200.

I've really started to get serious about bird photography. You can see some results in the 100-300 thread.

The biggest thing that lets me down at present is need the for fast aperture and a correspondingly high iso. Up to iso800 on the GH-2 results are good to acceptable. Above iso800 depending on light the results are acceptable to poor.

Looking at the Dpreview samples at iso3200 I'd say that EM-5 in comparison to the Pentax K-5 is not overwhelming when it comes to detail (imagine trying to resolve feathers on a bird) but still and improvement on the GH-2. However, not that much of an improvement and indeed all 3 cameras are marginal - which actually makes me feel good about remaining in the m43rds camp (i.e. the benefits of a move may only be marginal unless I go up to a D700/800 and some kind of completely unfeasible monster lens).

What I am saying is that I think I'll wait and see what Panasonic does to maintain its lead when it introduces its next generation camera. Or until I see some convincing high-iso EM-5 bird shots on Flickr or here.

If the next Panasonic camera is not that much better, I may feel like selling all my m43rds kit and going with Pentax or Nikon with an APS-C sensor - which would mean having to say goodbye to some very good lenses (like the 25/1.4 and 45/2.8).

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

I guess it will also be interesting, from a birder's point of view to see how the new IBIS compares with OIS... and of course, you could consider longer legacy glass and get stabilisation there for free.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

While lower megapixels, I would not rule out the Nikon 1 with adapter and a 70-200 VRII. The VR is spectacular, the lens is a great performer (optics), and you are shooting 2 stops faster. If you want longer reach there are relatively inexpensive lenses that go to 300mm (810mm) or you can lose a stop or so with a teleconverter.

Not sure if you are doing everything hand held, use a gimbal but I did find a really good custom tripod collar for the Panny 100-300 and the 70-200 has one standard.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

This points to the only major weakness of m4/3 at the moment; large aperture, long lenses. A 150mm f/2.8 and a 300mm f/4 would be nice.

Originally Posted by Terry

While lower megapixels, I would not rule out the Nikon 1 with adapter and a 70-200 VRII. The VR is spectacular, the lens is a great performer (optics), and you are shooting 2 stops faster. If you want longer reach there are relatively inexpensive lenses that go to 300mm (810mm) or you can lose a stop or so with a teleconverter.

Not sure if you are doing everything hand held, use a gimbal but I did find a really good custom tripod collar for the Panny 100-300 and the 70-200 has one standard.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

I either shoot handheld, or with my monopod. Not doing anything with a tripod.

Terry, never thought about the Nikon 1 with the 70-200VR. That is an awesome idea - although I remain to be convinced about the quality of the Nikon 1 images. Must check that out.

Godfrey, and of course, good point about IBIS. That is an advantage I never thought of. Especially with legacy glass.

Jorgen, a wider aperture is not necessarily an advantage, imho. In fact I would love to shoot at a minimum >=f8 (more detail) and >=1/1000 (freeze action). Except on the sunniest days you need a high iso to get to these type of apertures and speeds. What I wouldn't mind is if Sigma introduced the 50-500 or 150-500 for m43rds. That would be very nice indeed.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by biglouis

Jorgen, a wider aperture is not necessarily an advantage, imho. In fact I would love to shoot at a minimum >=f8 (more detail) and >=1/1000 (freeze action). Except on the sunniest days you need a high iso to get to these type of apertures and speeds. What I wouldn't mind is if Sigma introduced the 50-500 or 150-500 for m43rds. That would be very nice indeed.

LouisB

I would modify that to say "A wider aperture isn't necessarily an advantage always." But sometimes, it gets dark or I need a shallower DOF. Then it's great to have the option.

Actually, the need for a 150mm could be solved if Sigma made a m4/3 version of the 50-150/2.8, but so far, the new version isn't even available in other mounts.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Jorgen, I agree. I wish Sigma would jump on the m43rds wagon properly. I always liked their lenses on Nikon kit. Well made, good IQ and good value. Maybe there are strong technical reasons why they cannot adapt them to m43rds?

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Originally Posted by biglouis

Jorgen, I agree. I wish Sigma would jump on the m43rds wagon properly. I always liked their lenses on Nikon kit. Well made, good IQ and good value. Maybe there are strong technical reasons why they cannot adapt them to m43rds?

LouisB

There might be problems with the AF, but on 4/3, some of their lenses work great. I have the 50/1.4 in 4/3 mount, and it's a great portrait lens for that format.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

No, I think the X-Pro 1 is out of the question - I've got too much invested in 4/3rds and m4/3rds glass... and the E-M5 sensor looks to be a reasonable step up.

Cheers

Brian

Oh Dear,

I had a chance to play with the X-Pro 1 yesterday... it may not entirely be out of the question

Feels like an upgraded X100 with interchangeable lenses, a beautiful camera to hold and use.

I'll be checking out the samples around the web with more interest... I'm still a bit worried about some smeary samples I've seen with pre-production bodies and lenses. The sensor deserves the best glass possible.

In fact, I suppose this reinforces my desire to see a successor to the X100 with the new Fuji sensor - no qualms about the quality of that lens.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

I used it and wasn't really impressed. I felt it was a RF Poser's fashion camera. it does take pretty nice pics tho.

Also from further up I don't think I could ever call the build quality of Sigma lenses "good". Unless maybe I was comparing it to a Holga or something. Some of them have pretty good optical properties in spite of their build quality. In almost all cases Tamron and Tokina are better tho - still talking about IQ. I think Cosina is probably the best company around these days who are dealing with µ4/3. They made many of the Zeiss, Voigtlander and other famous lenses we all love so much and which actually do have a decent build quality. If I wanted to pay out for a 200mm or 300mm prime (or even a zoom) I would hope it would be one from them. Hopefully something in Superachromat or Apochromatic of speeds 2.5 or more. I recently tried the Cosina/Voigtlander APO Lanthar 125/2.5 Macro (1:1) and it was like using an entirely different camera. It was as if my GH1 had suddenly become a $3k pro body. I was amazed! It beat out every other Zeiss, all other Nikkors, Rokkors, Minoltas, Lumixes, Canons, Zuikos, Tamrons, Tokinas, and Sigmas I've ever tried. And I've tried most or the more famous ones. It was a clear smack-down, no questions! That's what we need. Another 200 or 300 from Sigma would likely only be a duplication of the extremely poor Lumix we already have. I want something nice!

With Cosina already making a few µ4/3 lenses in the Voigtlander family I would hope for a long lens from them - not Sigma.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Indeed. I've tried the Voigtlander APO Lanthar 125/2.5 Macro on a Pentax body, and it was out of this world ;-) I remember it was around $500 when they introduced a K-Mount version, and once they stopped making them, the price jumped three folds.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

And ya know what...? It's actually worth that much too. Your descriptive phrase is the same one I came up with too. "Out of this world", yep! The lens is just not from this planet. Maybe it was designed with left over parts from the Roswell site? (Not joking!).

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Bif, the price of the CV125/2.5 is very much dependent on what mount is.

A Nikkor F-mount version is very desirable as it can be used with about any camera. The EF-mount is popular (pricey that is) as it is chipped and works as a native Canon lens. Some other mounts like the C/Y and OM usually goes for a little less. The PK-mount version is great for Pentax users but not as cool for anyone with a Canon or Nikon.

For us Nex, µ4/3 and/or 4/3 users they are all usable and it makes sense looking for anything but the EF mount version - something that may save us some money.

It is worth that much? For some perhaps. If the F-mount price, in your link, would be the only way to get the lens I would much rather buy the 100mm Elmarit or try the Sigma and benefit from some automation, or buy a Mamiya perhaps.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Just got a call from Yodobashi and I can pick up my OM-D tomorrow morning when they open. This is the first camera/lens I've picked up new in such long time I'm kind of excited. Anything you'd like me to check out?

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Just picked it up. Everything seems fine so far. Small camera, little heavier than I remember, but it's a bit dense. The touch screen seems great. I picked up three batteries so I have some power. Going to take some photos before it starts raining in the next hour. I'll post some photos with lenses when I get back.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

The wind today is far beyond normal so I came back early. Haven't seen this bad even when a typhoon came. Here are some photos with different lenses. I forgot to take some with the grip on. Anything you'd like to see? 10 photos below. Taken with the iPhone, so I know it's nothing great.

m43s family

45mm

12mm

9-18mm

20mm

14-42X

40-150mm

12-50mm

OM-D and OM-2n silver. I think it looks a little more like the OM4, but I only have that in black.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Here is the OM-D with grip and 90 finder next to the OM-2n with the same.

The grip feels very good. The dials feel pretty much identical to the camera dials. It does make the camera quite a bit heavier, so if you are looking for something lightweight it might not be the best accessory, but I'm glad I have it. The only downside is that the rubber covers might be easy to lose if you don't put them in the grip storage areas properly.

A few other comments.

At Shinjuku Yodobashi black was outselling silver 2:1, but they said that's still a pretty good showing for silver considering their customers. Other stores probably aren't split as much.

Anyone pre-ordering after the first couple days of March didn't get their camera today. Quite a backlog for a camera, especially an Olympus.

The new IS seems quite impressive. Not going to post any photos, but just some random crap in my apartment at 1/13 of a second and 150mm came out looking surprising well.

Haven't shot with it too much yet, but overall I'm liking it very much. Huge improvement over the GF1. I have a feeling that I'll want to keep a GF or Pen line camera to go with it when I want something more compact.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing clipped highlights in the EVF. One of my favoriate features of the camera so far, turning it on was a PITA. Left eye shooters might have a hard time with the back dial location. I can use it, but my thumb rubs against my nose a bit. The whole view finder is still easily visible.

The new shutter sound is awesome. Much more muted. I don't have an E-1, but it seems E-1 like.

The color of the silver body matches the 45mm, not the 12mm. Only people looking for it would notice it though.

I'm surprised how much it looks like the OM2n when I have them next to each other. I think the shape is even closer to the OM4. I'm curious to see if people think I'm shooting a classic camera. For normal people I think the different might be hard to tell apart.

Re: Olympus OM-D discussion

Don't feel sad about the OM-2n. My OM cameras still get weekly use, it's the development tanks that need more attention.

I don't have a Pen camera with me, but it's more quiet and lower pitched than the GF1. I took some photos in a cafe and train today and it didn't seem to grab anyone's attention compared to the GF1 which often makes people look.

I got a few comments asking if I was using a film camera yesterday, so my theory that normal people can't tell the difference seems to be panning out.

Anyway, I've got a busy day today, but I'll try to post some photos tonight.